The men's team, led by third year head coach Jody May was the No. 5 team in the poll. Albion tied for fourth in the MIAAlast season with a record of 8-6-league. The British return of three starters, including 2010 all-MIAA first team guard JC Cruse (Detroit / Grosse Pointe South), who averaged 16.3 points in 14 league games. Junior guard Chris Hutton (Metamora / Lapeer West) and sophomore forward Kolin Kazen (Holland / Saugatuck) is another returning starter from 2009 to 2010 to the list.
At the MIAA conference, May said it is difficult to judge how the British are taking place in practice so far because Cruse also plays wide receiver for the football team. Cruse is a playmaker on the grill as well, leading the Britons with 565 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
"Practicing without AD did not give us a good overview of what our team will look," said May "is the kind of athlete who could play right away (after the football season). I do not think it will be very long, it will be out (between seasons of football and basketball).
"If we can find a way to play defense and rebound we might have to be OK in the league," added May
Men season opener at Albion Ohio Wesleyan University, November 16. Britons home debut is November 19-20 with the tournament by Mike Turner Tip-Off hosted by the Rotary Club of Albion, sponsored by Andersons Albion Ethanol.
women's team, led by the 10th head coach Doreen Carden, with four starters back from 2009 to 2010 was the team's No. 4 team in the poll. Senior guard Melissa Shaw (Jackson / Northwest) was a win-MIAA first team award last season. She averaged 13.4 points in 16 contests in the league last season and the fourth in the MIAA. She was also ranked among the top five in the league in assists (third at 3.56 per game), steals (fourth at 3.06 per game) and free throw percentage (fifth at 80.2 percent).
The British are also pleased to have 2009 all-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association second team guard Nicole Dennis (St. Clair Shores / Lakeview) back on the field after a knee operation forced her to watch the line affected last season.
Senior guard Keigan Edwards (Kentwood / East Kentwood), retired before the fall Haggadone (Goodrich / Goodrich) and junior forward Patty Rewa (Greenville / Greenville) are other returning starters from 2009 to 2010 to the list.
"We have a good mix of experienced players and newcomers," said Carden. "There is little experience at every position. We are more athletic and have more depth. We will be smaller than usual to rebound will be. "
opens the season Nov. 16 Albion women with a home game against rival Spring Arbor University.
Albion men and women will be home for doubleheader action on November 23 with the women competing against Manchester (Ind.) College at 18:00 followed by the men's contest against Heidelberg (Ohio) University.